China Coast Guard took "necessary control measures" against multiple Philippine vessels that illegally gathered in the waters near the Houteng Reef in the South China Sea in recent days, a spokesperson said on Monday.

Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the CCG, said in a statement that despite CCG's warnings, several Philippine vessels, under the guise of fishing activities, illegally gathered in the waters near the Houteng Reef in the Nansha Islands of China, accompanied by media reporters for staged publicity.

The CCG took necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels in accordance with the laws and regulations, he said.

China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including the Houteng Reef, and their surrounding waters, he added.

The spokesman warned the Philippine side to immediately cease provocative actions, cease distorting facts, and halt sensationalist activities.